Greenpark bags 1st DCDC badminton championship

Greenpark Badminton Center survived the gutsy play of Phil. STAR to snatch the championship of the just-concluded Data Center Design Corp. (DCDC) badminton tournament at SmashZone Badminton Center, Las Piñas City.

The team ruled the ladies doubles and men’s doubles events to post a 2-1 victory over STAR, with the tandem of Sarah Caraig and France Camba outclassing The STAR’s Tina Poblador and Dalia Saguid, 15-2, 15-1, and the men’s doubles duo of Paolo Tolentino and Percy Barrios narrowly escaping the intense play of STAR’s Miguel Belmonte and Doddie Gutierrez to rally from behind for a 15-12, 15-13 finish.

In the mixed doubles event, STAR’s Chester Cordero and Anna Filamor dominated the tandem of Harry Villareal and Sheryl Caraig, 15-7, 15-6.

"DCDC was the first major event that Greenpark participated in and winning the championship was a very fulfilling experience for our young players," team manager Jojo Lorena said. Lorena owns Greenpark Badminton Center, a badminton club located in Pasig City that fielded a team composed of talented trainers.

For his part, STAR playing coach Chester Cordero said: "I knew it would be difficult for us to win because Greenpark had the advantage of speed and power, but we managed to make it hard for them to get the title."

Team PLDT-A finished second runner-up, yielding to Greenpark’s onslaught during the semis round, 2-1. Rounding up the cast of the top teams was Metals Industry Research and Development Center (MIRDC) at fourth place.

During the awards rites, DCDC vice chairman and tournament head Ted Ignacio thanked the teams and sponsors for supporting the tournament. Emerson Network Power is the major sponsor of the event.

Ignacio also awarded a lifetime membership at Smashzone to STAR president and CEO Miguel G. Belmonte, acknowledging the support extended by Philippine STAR in promoting the badminton meet.

Participating teams are Aboitiz, Alan Dick Corp., Alcatel, Allied Banking Corp., CBN Asia, Celestron Cable TV, Emerson Network Power, Globe Telecom, Greenpark Badminton Center, Goodyear, Merck Sharp & Dohme Philippines, MIRDC, Pag-IBIG Fund, Philippine National Bank, Phil. Sports Commission, PLDT, SPI Technologies, United Overseas Bank.

Data Center Design Corp. is the pioneer in the supply and installation of computer support equipment, which all companies need to achieve uninterrupted operations for their businesses.